I'm up in Colorado. Neither choice would be too far away from where my family lives. I'll be taking my wife and two kids. Arizona is rated better in US News, but the employment statistics indicate that the job prospects for SMU grads is significantly better than those in Arizona. Also, it appears Arizona has no bar reciprocity with other states, making more likely I'd be stuck in Arizona long term, which is not where I want to be, honestly.

kalvano wrote:If you don't want to be in Arizona, then don't go to school there.

This. UofA won't take you anywhere other than Tucson or Phoenix.

Pretty much the case, and I'd agree since you said you'd rather not be stuck in AZ long term. My mom went to UA, was offered a position with a Dallas firm a few years later, which she took, and currently works in Southern California. So, it's certainly possible to leave the state if you choose to, but it's my understanding that aside from a select few who manage So-Cal/Nevada positions directly out of school, it does take a couple years of in-state work.

The only factor that appears to be troubling you is that Arizona has a higher USNews ranking. This fact shouldn't have any significance in your decision, however.

Since you are married with two young children, then their concerns should be your concerns as well, therefore, it should be a family decision, in my opinion. Additionally, SMU has a part-time program which might be useful after your first year if you need to pick-up part-time work since you have a family to support. Not sure, however, whether or not a full-time student can transfer to part-time after completing the first year as a full-time law student.